Dennis Schroder’s off-season acquisition was seen as a huge coup for the Boston Celtics, but unfortunately, it had a negative effect on Payton Pritchard’s ability to find a rhythm early in the season. Ime Udoka, like most new head coaches, placed his trust with the veterans on Boston’s roster, and the younger players were left fighting for scraps.
But then, on December 4, Pritchard had himself a night to remember, as he dropped 19 points on the Portland Trail Blazers, dominating the fourth quarter, and sending his hometown crowd into a frenzy.
I’d love to say that that game was a turning point in Pritchard’s season, but in truth, it was simply a platform that allowed him to begin fighting for a consistent role within the team.